Belly fat before and after metformin weight loss
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These studies suggest that metformin can reduce body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass, particularly when combined with a hypocaloric diet, and is effective in various populations including those with PCOS, chronic diseases, and low birth weight girls.
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Impact of Metformin on Belly Fat: Before and After Weight Loss
Introduction to Metformin and Weight Loss
Metformin, a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, has been observed to have significant effects on body weight and fat distribution. This article synthesizes research findings on the impact of metformin on belly fat before and after weight loss, focusing on various populations including women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), children, and adolescents.
Metformin and Abdominal Fat Reduction in PCOS Women
Initial Effects on Body Composition
In women with PCOS, abdominal obesity and hyperinsulinemia are common issues. A study evaluated the effects of a hypocaloric diet combined with metformin on body weight and fat distribution in obese women with and without PCOS. Initially, both groups showed similar anthropometric and CT parameters. After one month of dieting, BMI and waist circumference were reduced in both groups without significant changes in CT scan parameters.
Long-Term Effects with Metformin
Over a six-month period, metformin treatment led to a significant reduction in body weight and BMI compared to placebo in both PCOS and control groups. Notably, metformin significantly decreased subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in control women and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in PCOS women, highlighting its differential impact on fat distribution. Additionally, fasting insulin levels decreased in both groups, with glucose-stimulated insulin levels significantly dropping only in those treated with metformin.
Metformin's Impact on Visceral Fat in Low Birth Weight Girls
Study on LBW Girls with Precocious Pubarche
A study on low birth weight (LBW) girls with precocious pubarche (PP) revealed that long-term metformin treatment significantly reduced total and visceral fat. Over four years, metformin-treated girls gained approximately 50% less fat compared to untreated girls. They also exhibited lower insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and a less atherogenic lipid profile.
Abdominal Fat Distribution
After four years, untreated girls had more visceral fat and a higher visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio than those treated with metformin. This suggests that metformin effectively reduces visceral fat accumulation in this population, potentially mitigating future metabolic risks.
Metformin in Gestational Diabetes and Offspring Outcomes
Study on Offspring of Women with GDM
Research comparing offspring of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treated with metformin versus insulin showed no significant differences in total and abdominal body fat percentages at 7-9 years of age. However, metformin-exposed children were generally larger in terms of weight and body circumferences. This indicates that while metformin does not significantly alter fat distribution in offspring, it may influence overall growth patterns.
Meta-Analyses on Metformin and Obesity Indices
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Findings
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials involving children and adolescents found that metformin significantly reduced BMI, waist circumference, and body weight. The reduction in body fat mass was particularly notable in overweight or obese patients. However, metformin did not significantly affect lean body mass in these populations.
Long-Term Safety and Efficacy
The Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study highlighted the long-term safety and efficacy of metformin in reducing body weight and waist circumference. Over a 10-year period, weight loss was sustained and correlated with adherence to metformin treatment. This underscores the importance of consistent medication use for achieving and maintaining weight loss.
Conclusion
Metformin has been shown to effectively reduce belly fat, particularly visceral fat, in various populations. Its impact is most pronounced in women with PCOS and LBW girls with PP, where it significantly decreases visceral adipose tissue. While metformin does not drastically alter fat distribution in offspring of women with GDM, it contributes to overall growth. Meta-analyses confirm its efficacy in reducing obesity indices in children and adolescents. Long-term studies affirm its safety and sustained weight loss benefits, making metformin a valuable tool in managing obesity and related metabolic conditions.
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